From inflation to rotation and tread wear to balance, your tires can give you a lot to think about.

Tire Inflation

Research conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association shows that most drivers are cruising around on under-inflated tires. Low pressure causes poor handling and tire failures that contribute to 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year.

Signs of low pressure can include squealing around corners, decreased gas mileage, and difficulty negotiating turns.

To protect yourself, your passengers and your vehicle, check all your tires, including your spare, to be sure they’re properly inflated every month.

In cold weather, your tires’ pressure will be even lower, so when the temperature starts to drop, fill them to the appropriate pressure for the winter. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle will be listed on the inside edge of the driver’s side door and in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Your neighborhood Tuffy Auto Service Center will check your pressure any time, free of charge, so just swing by. Some Tuffy stores even offer nitrogen tire inflation. Nitrogen keeps the pressure in your tires more constant because the nitrogen molecules are larger than air, so they leak out less.

Tire Tread Wear

You should change the tires on your vehicle about every 40,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the kind of tires you have. Keeping your tires properly inflated, rotated and balances will promote even tread wear and give your tires more time on the road.

Not sure if you need to replace your tires? Try the “penny test.” Simply grab a penny, and stick it into the tread on your tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for some new tires. Some tire models are equipped with tread depth indicators that, when worn down, indicate a need for new tires. Or you can stop by any time for a free tire check-up. We’ll check your pressure, tread depth and wear patterns at no charge.

Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles will help prolong their life cycle. Some tire manufacturers require regular tire rotation to keep the tire warranty valid, but there are several other reasons to rotate your tires regularly.

Even though your tires all rotate in the same direction, the front tires have a different work load than the rear tires. This workload depends on your vehicle’s drive orientation: front wheel drive, real wheel drive, or all wheel drive.

Regular tire rotation helps you maintain balance handling, good traction, and even tire wear. Even tire wear allows each tire to respond the same to when accelerating, braking, or turning. And when your tires wear evenly, you can purchase a new full set, so all your tires will always have the same technology and performance expectation. As an additional bonus, full set tire purchases usually come with a discount.

Tire Balance

When you have your oil changed, it’s advisable to have your tires balanced.

Tire balance is the distribution of weight within a tire. Why is tire balance important? If the mass is evenly distributed, the tires will rotate evenly.

Think of a circus tight rope performer… If she has an evenly weighted balance pole, the walk across the tight rope is smooth.  If the balance pole is heavier on one side, she wobbles trying to maintain her balance.

Likewise, if the mass of your tires is unevenly distributed, the tires will wobble, causing steering disturbance, poor handling and a rough ride for passengers. Unbalanced tires also wear faster, place stress on your vehicle’s suspension system components, and have a negative impact of your fuel economy.

If your tires are out of balance, you may notice noise resulting from the wobble of the tire, as well as increased vibration, particularly at higher speeds. Occasionally, you may be able to detect imbalance visually. When you check your tire pressure monthly, ensure that all your wheel weights are in place, and check for any visible “high spots” on your tires.

Ask your ASE certified Tuffy technician to check your tire balance the next time you have your oil changed. You can also stop in to your Tuffy Auto Service Center any time you think your tires might be unbalanced, and we’ll check them out for you, on the house.